Cameroon's agricultural sector is caught between global market pressures and the desire to boost local production. Several recent events demonstrate this complex dynamic.
Yaoundé is preparing to host the Cocoa & Coffee Festival from March 26 to 28, 2026. This event, organized by the Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council (CICC) in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, will highlight the role of women in the cocoa and coffee sectors. Born from the merger of the Festicacao and Festicoffee festivals in 2024, it aims to promote local consumption and present opportunities in the sector.
Amid fluctuating global prices, Cameroon has growth ambitions for its cocoa production. The country aims to produce 640,000 tonnes by 2030, prioritizing crop intensification rather than deforestation. The Cocoa and Coffee Development Fund (FODECC) is mapping nearly 400,000 plots to ensure no encroachment on protected forest areas. This is part of Cameroon's efforts to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). FODECC plans to distribute 4 billion FCFA in subsidies to producers in 2026.
The 2024-2025 coffee season saw a production increase of nearly 10%, reaching 11,637 tonnes. Export earnings tripled to 3.5 billion FCFA, thanks to increased volumes and prices. Cameroon also won an award at the African Taste of Harvest 2026 for its robusta. Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana pointed out that producer prices have increased, with the price per kilogram of Arabica rising from 2,375 to 2,854 FCFA and that of Robusta from 1,500 to 1,959 FCFA.
Despite this progress, Cameroon's agricultural sector continues to face significant challenges. The fall in world cocoa prices led to a 14.5% drop in the prices of agricultural products exported in the fourth quarter of 2025. Cotton production fell by 76% in the second quarter, penalized by flooding. However, Cameroon continues to explore new markets for its Arabica coffee, notably in Taiwan, Japan, Sudan and Turkey, a sign of a desire for diversification and adaptation in the face of market uncertainties.
